German word

verschlossen

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈʃlɔsən/

Meaning

  • adjectivelocked

Example

Das Büro ist verschlossen.

The office is locked.

Illustration for verschlossen (locked)

More examples

Die Vitrine ist verschlossen, sodass die Exponate geschützt sind.

The display case is locked, so the exhibits are protected.

Core concept

A door stays shut behind a lock, and a person stays shut behind an emotional barrier.

Common phrases

  • Die Garage ist verschlossen

    The garage is locked

  • Die Vitrine ist verschlossen

    The display case is locked

  • Die Tür zum Keller ist verschlossen

    The basement door is locked

Similar words

reserviert: Somewhat aloof and cautious about revealing personal thoughts or feelings.
zurückhaltend: Unobtrusive and self-controlled, rarely stepping into the foreground.
introvertiert: Drawn toward inner life, restored by time alone and reserved around groups.
schweigsam: Habitually quiet, with little to say in conversation.

Definition in German

Zurückhaltend oder nicht offen im Wesen; auch für Dinge verwendet, die verschlossen oder verriegelt sind.

Word origin

Verschlossen is the past participle of verschließen, formed from schließen, 'close,' with ver-, and its literal sense extended to a reserved person.

Usage tips

  • For a person, verschlossen usually describes someone who does not readily reveal feelings or thoughts, not simply someone who is quiet.

Other meanings

  • reservedadjective
  • closedadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word